CHP Using Social Media to Investigate Fatal Interstate 5 Crash
A Lodi man was driving to Woodland with two co-workers during the early morning of Sunday, August 6, 2017. The three co-workers were involved in a serious hit-and-run accident. The crash, unfortunately, caused two victims to suffer traumatic injuries and one victim to suffer fatal injuries.
I would like to send my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family members of the victim that passed away in this devastating accident. We also send our wishes for a speedy and full recovery to the two injured parties.
Accident Details
Marcelino Castellano, a 68-year-old man from Lodi, was on his way to work with two co-workers to Pacific Coast Producers in Woodland for his 6:00 am shift. Castellano was carpooling with his 76-year-old supervisor, Robert Larocca, and 60-year-old co-worker, Severo Ramirez. The three friends would take turns rotating carpool for their long drive to work. That morning was Castellano’s turn to chauffeur his co-workers. Castellano was behind the wheel of his Volvo V70 traveling northbound on Interstate 5 near Hood Franklin Road at approximately 4:38 am.
According to authorities, a motorist of a 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 was traveling at a high rate of speed moments before approaching Castellano’s vehicle. The driver in the Mercedes-Benz attempted to overtake the Volvo, but unfortunately, collided with the rear end of the vehicle. The impact propelled the Volvo in the center median of the highway, causing the vehicle to roll several times into the southbound lanes of travel. The Volvo came to a rest on its roof along the shoulder of the roadway.
Hit-and-Run Driver Abandons Vehicle
The motorist of the Mercedes-Benz immediately fled from the scene of the accident. The fleeing vehicle continued northbound along Interstate 5 and exited on Hood Franklin Road. It then became disabled and came to a stop along the northbound Interstate 5 on-ramp. The hit-and-run driver was nowhere to be found at the scene.
The Mercedes-Benz was found to be registered to Tenley Johnson, a 24-year-old woman of San Leandro. Authorities are currently in possession of the suspect vehicle and are seeking its registered owner.
Accident Injuries in the Crash
Severo Ramirez, unfortunately, suffered broken bones resulting from the hit-and-run accident. Robert Larocca suffered unknown injuries and was transported with Ramirez to a local hospital for treatment. Marcelino Castellano, sadly, succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Preliminary Investigation
An investigation remains ongoing for the hit-and-run accident. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is using social media as a tool in the investigation. CHP reported that the registered owner of the Mercedes-Benz posted on social media the night before the accident. All of the vehicle owner’s posts from the prior evening allegedly indicate she may have been drinking and partying. Authorities will be looking at all of these posts as part of the investigation.
A spokesman from the CHP South Sacramento office stated that smartphone technology can be used as a footprint, which can be useful in an investigation. Technology can allow investigators to ping a user’s phone. Investigators can track the geographical locations of a smartphone by pinpointing where the images were taken. An investigator can use digital media as an important tool for solving a crime. For more information, contact a Lodi personal injury lawyer.
Watch YouTube Video – By Telemundo Sacramento – Su Nombre Era Marcelino… The following video is in Spanish dialogue. Although the video does not contain English subtitles, one does not need those in order to feel the pain that this hit-and-run accident has caused to the family of Marcelino Castellano. (A brief translation of this video appears below).
Family Forever Remembers Loved One
Jane Castellano, Marcelino’s wife, stated that her husband was her lifelong partner. Jane met Marcelino when she was only 14 years old and the two had been married for 49 years. She describes her relationship with her husband as inseparable. Every morning she would wake up early to accompany her husband and drink coffee with him. She recalls the last coffee sitting they had together, he had expressed his concern for an acquaintance that had passed away recently. He said that everyone will pass one of these days, not knowing that would be the last morning he would share with his beloved wife.
The loved ones of Marcelino Castellano remember him as a family man that worked hard every day to support his family. Marcelino worked seven days a week and planned on retiring this year. Sadly, he never had the opportunity to do so. Marcelino leaves behind his wife of nearly 50 years, 4 children, 22 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. They will all miss him and cherish their memories of him forever.
Related Content by Lodi Personal Injury Lawyer, Edward A Smith:
- Lodi Wrongful Death Lawyer
- What is a Wrongful Death Claim?
- Most Common Causes of a Wrongful Death
- Duration of Wrongful Death Claims
Lodi Wrongful Death Lawyer & Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Lodi wrongful death lawyer. Motor vehicle accidents occur, but, oftentimes happen due to the fault of a negligent party. If you or your loved one has suffered serious injuries or even passed away in an auto accident where negligence was a factor, please call me at (209) 227-1931 for free, friendly advice. You may also connect with me toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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Final Image: Edward A Smith, Lodi Personal Injury Lawyer
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